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26 July 2021

Attention: Dan Jones Planning Department South Gloucestershire Council

EIA SCREENING OPINION REQUEST UNDER THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT) REGULATIONS 2017

PROVISION OF CHARFIELD RAILWAY STATION.

Dear Mr Jones,

This letter is a formal request under Regulation 6 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (the EIA Regulations) for a Screening Opinion from South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) (as the Local Planning Authority), to determine whether the above-mentioned development constitutes an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) development requiring an Environmental Statement (ES).

As well as being a formal request, this letter explains why Jacobs, working on behalf of SGC (the Applicant), believes that the development does not require formal EIA under the terms of the EIA Regulations. Consequently, the ‘Station works’ (defined below) are considered permitted development, and what documentation would be required to enable validation of a planning application for the ‘Associated works’ (defined below).

To enable SGC to come to an informed Screening Opinion, this letter provides a brief description of the nature and purpose of the proposed development and outlines any potential effects the development may have on the local environment, in accordance with the EIA Regulations.

A map showing the location of the proposed Charfield Railway Station is provided on the Location Plan which accompanies this letter (Drawing ref: 673847.CE.56-JC-DR-004).

The proposed development is located entirely within the administrative boundary of SGC, on Station Road within the village of Charfield. The Station is proposed to be delivered on the Bristol to Gloucester rail line within the immediate vicinity of the former Charfield Railway Station which was closed in 1965 as part of the Beeching closures. SGC propose to make use of land safeguarded in the South Gloucestershire Local Plan to deliver the new station.

The Station will be delivered in collaboration, with Network Rail delivering the rail-side elements including entrances, platforms and footbridge, and SGC delivering the supporting infrastructure including station car park, bus interchange and highway improvements. An Extents Plan has

Jacobs U.K. Limited Registered in England and Wales 02594504 Registered Office: 1180 Eskdale Road, Winnersh, Wokingham, RG41 5TU 673847. CE.56.02

been provided to outline the boundary of works to be undertaken by both parties (Drawing ref: 673847CH.CE.56-JC-DR-003).

Proposed Development

The proposed development presented within this letter involves the development of a new railway station on the Bristol to Gloucester rail line within the village of Charfield, South Gloucestershire. Located at the heart of the village, and within the vicinity of the former Charfield Railway Station, the proposed development will comprise:

. Station works to be delivered by Network Rail (on behalf of SGC): Line-side works including the platforms, footbridge and station entrances.

. Associated works to be delivered by SGC; Highway works including a station car park with larger overflow car park, bus interchange and highway improvements, for which we intend to submit a full planning application.

The included General Arrangement Plan (Drawing ref: 673847.CE.56-JC-DR-001) outlines the proposed design for the station and associated works.

Charfield Railway Station will provide much-needed access to the rail network for a catchment of up to 14,500 residents within a 5km radius, reducing pressure on the road network in an area which has high levels of car dependency due to limited of alternative transport modes and long journey distances to key employment clusters in the North Fringe and Bristol City Centre.

The new station will lie at the heart of the village, presenting a unique opportunity to promote access to the station by walking and cycling, with both existing and proposed new developments in Charfield all located within a 10-minute walk of the Station.

The objectives of the proposed development are as follows: . Improve accessibility to the rail network and increase travel choices; . Contribute to reducing congestion on key corridors by facilitating modal shift; . Deliver a more resilient transport network, with shorter and more reliable journey times for commuters, businesses and residents; . Help to meet SGC and West of England Combined Authority’s targets to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 in response to the Climate Emergency; . Enhance transport links to the Filton Enterprise Area, North Fringe, Yate, Temple Quay Enterprise Zone and Bristol City Centre; . Support wider economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic, including recovery of rail, through the delivery of rail services to new catchment areas; . Make a positive contribution to social wellbeing, life opportunities and improving quality of life along the affected corridors; and . Protect and where possible enhance local employment opportunities that can be accessed by sustainable travel modes within the village.

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Permitted Development

As there was previously a station at Charfield in the immediate vicinity of the proposed station, the operational elements of the station (platforms, bridge, lifts and stairs) being delivered by Network Rail are considered to be permitted development and therefore will not require planning permission. The justification for this has been set out in a formal pre-application submission to SGC (14 June 2021. PRE21/0514) alongside the pre-application for the works that we consider to require planning permission.

EIA Regulations

The EIA Regulations define ‘EIA development’ as either a Schedule 1 development where EIA is always required, or Schedule 2 development where EIA is required when the development is likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as its nature, size or location. The purpose of this letter is to provide the information required to determine: . Whether the development falls into either Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 of the EIA Regulations; . If it falls into Schedule 2, whether it is likely to have significant effects on the environment.

Information used in this letter has been obtained from internet-based sources, such as the Defra MAGIC website. Reference is also made to the relevant sections of the EIA Regulations.

Schedule 1

The thresholds for Schedule 1 development generally relate to major projects that, by virtue of their scale, appearance, or the type of activity, have the potential to impact on the environment. These types of projects are specifically defined in the Regulations and automatically require EIA. The proposed development does not fall under any of the descriptions outlined in Schedule 1 of the EIA Regulations, and as such does not automatically require an EIA, and must be considered under Schedule 2.

Schedule 2

An EIA is required for Schedule 2 projects only if they are ‘screened in’. A Schedule 2 development requiring EIA is one which is likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as its nature, size, or location. A development falls under Schedule 2 if it matches one of the categories described in column 1 of the table in Schedule 2 of the EIA Regulations, and: a) Any part of that development is to be carried out in a sensitive area; or, b) An applicable threshold or criterion in the corresponding part of Column 2 of that table is respectively exceeded or met in relation to that development. With respect to consideration (a), a ‘sensitive area’ is defined in the EIA Regulations by reference to a list of specific designations that can be applied to areas of land by national or European legislation or by international conventions to which the UK is a signatory. No part of the proposed development is within a sensitive area.

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With respect to consideration (b), Schedule 2 provides applicable thresholds and criteria for each of the development descriptions. The development falls under the definition of development under Section 10(b) ‘Urban development projects’ and Section 10(f) ‘Construction of roads’.

The Schedule 2 threshold and criteria for consideration 10(b), are:

i. ‘The development includes more than 1 hectare of urban development which is not dwelling house development; or ii. the development includes more than 150 dwellings; or iii. the overall area of the development exceeds 5 hectares.’

The Schedule 2 threshold and criteria for consideration 10(f), are: i. The area of the works exceeds 1 hectare.

The proposed development would have a total footprint of approximately 2.5 hectares, comprising: . 1.044 hectares - highway works, . 0.243 hectares – station car park, and . 0.922 hectares - overflow car park, . 0.276 hectares – railway works.

The total footprint of approximately 2.5 hectares would exceed the Section 10(b) ‘Urban development projects’ applicable “1 hectare” threshold outlined in the EIA Regulations. Planning Practice Guidance (Environmental Impact Assessment, Annex: Indicative screening thresholds) provides further indicative thresholds and criteria for identification of Schedule 2 Development requiring EIA. In relation to 10(b) ‘Urban development projects’, it states that Indicative screening thresholds (below) are “intended to help determine whether significant effects are likely…“. i. “‘area of the scheme is more than 5 hectares; or ii. it would provide a total of more than 10,000 m2 of new commercial floorspace; or iii. the development would have significant urbanising effects in a previously non- urbanised area (e.g. a new development of more than 1,000 dwellings).’’

The approximate 1.044 hectares for highways works exceeds the applicable “1 hectare” threshold for Section 10(f) ‘Construction of roads’. Planning Practice Guidance (Environmental Impact Assessment, Annex: Indicative screening thresholds) States, in relation to 10(f) ‘Construction of roads’, that Indicative screening thresholds (below) are “intended to help determine whether significant effects are likely…“.

i. “New development over 2 km in length.”

The proposed development is considerably below both the Section 10(b) ‘Urban development projects’ 5-hectare threshold, and the Section 10(f) ‘Construction of roads’ 2km threshold and therefore significant effects are unlikely. The guidance also states that the key issues to consider in relation to urban development projects and construction of roads are the physical scale of the

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development, potential increase in traffic, estimated emissions, noise and vibration, the degree of visual intrusion and the impact on the surrounding ecology. These topics are discussed later in this letter to demonstrate that no likely significant effects are anticipated.

Consideration Against Schedule 3

To assist in the classification of an EIA development, Schedule 3 of the EIA Regulations and the EIA Circular outlines criteria for screening Schedule 2 developments. The criteria considers the characteristics of the development; the location of the development; and the characteristics of the potential impact. These are described below, to enable SGC, as the Local Planning Authority, to come to an informed Screening Opinion.

Characteristics of Development

Schedule 3 of the EIA Regulations requires the following characteristics to be considered in determining the need for an EIA: . the size and design of the whole development; . the cumulation with existing developments and/or approved developments; . the use of natural resources; . the production of waste; . pollution and nuisances; . the risk of major accidents and/or disaster relevant to the development concerned, including those caused by climate change, in accordance with scientific knowledge; and . the risk to human health (for example, due to water contamination or air pollution).

The proposed development consists of the development of a new railway station in the village of Charfield (approximately 2.5 ha), including the provision of station car parking, and associated highways and junction improvement works. Highway improvements are located within and directly adjacent to an established highway environment within the urban area of Charfield, while the station works are located on brownfield land directly adjacent to the existing active Bristol to Gloucester rail line. As such, the scale of works is considered to be appropriate within this location. Where existing planting has to be removed it will be replaced with suitable native species. New planting will connect existing areas of hedgerows and provide wildlife corridors and screening where needed. Tree planting will provide structure and SuDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage) will be provided, which could include rain gardens, where appropriate. The station forecourt will be designed as a safe and pleasant environment with opportunities for flowering, scented and herbal planting.

There is potential for significant housing growth within the village of Charfield and the surrounding settlements over the coming years, including proposed developments of approximately 8,000 dwellings within Charfield, as well as numerous smaller developments within surrounding settlements such as Kingswood. Indeed, in the past 5 years, 285 dwellings have been granted planning permission within Charfield, as well as a new food store adjacent to the station location, and a community café / farm shop north of Wotton Road.

Due to a lack of alternative transport options and the significant distance to other urban areas, there is a high reliance on private vehicles within and around Charfield. This contributes to

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network congestion and associated environmental impacts. A new railway station located in Charfield would provide a reliable, alternative sustainable mode of transport which could also accommodate a number of the trips made from existing and future developments within the Charfield area. This could reduce the impact of future development on the existing highway network and environment, as well as reducing congestion for all road users, including public transport. In addition, the associated highway improvements will also support the provision of a sustainable transport network and provide a high quality and safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

The proposed development will require land take outside of the highway boundary, particularly for the south-eastern car parking area. The overflow carpark, approximately 0.922 hectare, is located on Grade 3b (moderate quality) agricultural land. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that “Plans should… allocate land with the least environmental or amenity value, where consistent with other policies in this Framework (where significant development of agricultural land is demonstrated to be necessary, areas of poorer quality land should be preferred to those of a higher quality).” NPPF Annex 2 defines Grades 1, 2 and 3a as the best and most versatile land. Therefore, no likely significant effect on agricultural land and natural resources are anticipated.

The proposed development will involve the removal of vegetation (including trees) during construction. New planting would be incorporated to replace this loss, which is expected to result in an overall biodiversity net gain.

Waste would predominantly be produced during the construction period of the proposed development, with negligible waste produced during operation (i.e. station bins). Good design and site practices would be employed to reduce the use of materials and management of site waste streams. Secondary materials would be sourced for the works, where appropriate, to reduce the amount of materials used. Any material arising from the leveling of the site will be screened and suitable material will be used on site as fill or other uses, as appropriate. Further investigation into the suitability of the material for this purpose will be carried out and the volume of material being exported from site will be minimised as far as possible. A construction programme and Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be prepared and implemented. The CEMP will include best practice measures and any mitigation identified in the planning application supporting documentation listed later in this letter. Therefore, no likely significant effect from the production of waste are anticipated.

Noise levels in the vicinity to the proposed development are expected to increase during both construction and operation, as a result of activities and vehicles entering and leaving the site. The proposed development does not fall within close proximity to any noise Important Areas and the existing noise climate is dominated by noise from the Bristol to Gloucester rail line, which is where receptors will be most sensitive to increases in noise levels. The proposed development taken forward will meet the aims of the Noise Policy Statement for England, and the first of these is to avoid significant adverse impacts on health and quality of life. There are numerous noise sensitive receptors within close proximity to the proposed development, together with transient users. Construction noise will be short-term and localised, and operational noise will occur within an existing urban noise environment. The Planning Application will include a Noise Impact Assessment, to predict the potential for noise and vibration impacts during both the construction and operational phases. If significant impacts are predicted these can be addressed with a range of noise mitigation measures to reduce and

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minimise impacts down to appropriate levels. Therefore, no likely significant effect from noise pollution and potential nuisance are anticipated.

Construction works have the potential to create a temporary impact on landscape receptors in areas away from the primary highway corridor. The operational scheme would be in keeping with the existing landscape character. Vegetation planting will be incorporated into the proposed development alongside the retention of existing vegetation where possible to provide a degree of visual screening for nearby receptors. Overall, no effect on landscape character is anticipated. A Lighting Strategy will be prepared to ensure any impacts from the introduction of artificial lighting as a result of the proposed development are minimised. Therefore, no likely significant effect from landscape character and visual intrusion is anticipated.

The proposed development will support SGC Climate Change Strategy vision for “A climate resilient South Gloucestershire with a thriving low carbon economy and lifestyle reflected in our travel, homes and communities”, through SGC’s objective to deliver a more resilient transport network and help to meet SGC’s carbon neutral target.

Risk of flooding from all sources has been considered for the proposed development. The sources of flood risk are detailed below along with an assessment of their likely impact: • The Environment Agency’s Flood Map for Planning indicates that the entire proposed development lies in Flood Zone 1. Land in Flood Zone 1 is assessed as having a less than 1 in 1,000-year chance of river flooding in any year; on this basis, the proposed development is assumed to be at negligible risk of flooding from rivers. • Historically, there have been surface water flooding incidents to the southern extents of the proposed development (in land where the proposed overflow car park and access road would be located). It is understood that the surface water flooding in this area has been mitigated by recent surface water drainage improvements undertaken in Charfield by Wessex Water. The impact of this mitigation will need to be assessed to determine the residual surface water flood risk. • As the bedrock geology underlying the proposed development comprises thin-bedded layers of siltstone, mudstone and sandstone with occasional layers of impure limestone, groundwater flood risk is unlikely and assumed to be negligible. • The Environment Agency’s long-term flood maps indicate that the proposed development is not at risk of flooding from reservoirs. • An assessment of asset data from Wessex Water and Bristol Water considered that flood risk from sewers and watermains is negligible.

Based on the above, it is anticipated that there will be a low risk of flooding within the proposed development or caused by it. Further investigation is required to fully understand the residual risk of surface water flooding considering the recent mitigation works undertaken by Wessex Water.

The proposed development’s surface water drainage system shall incorporate a range of treatment measures to ensure that any discharge would not compromise the conservation value of any nearby waterbody or the species that live within it. Discharge of surface water runoff to watercourses would be restricted to the predicted peak greenfield flow rate for the mean annual flood (Qbar) for greenfield areas, and to existing rates plus an allowance for climate change for predeveloped areas. This shall be achieved by incorporating suitable storage and flow control

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measures, including SuDS. Therefore, no likely significant effect from risk to (water contamination) human health are anticipated.

The proposed development forms part of the Council’s strategy to provide the residents of Charfield and surrounding settlements with an attractive public transport alternative to private car travel. As such, the proposed development would reduce congestion on the highway network, as well as having environmental benefits. Traffic in the vicinity of the proposed development is likely to increase during construction of the proposed development as a result of construction traffic. This increase is not expected to be significant and if necessary, traffic control measures would be agreed with the Local Authority and implemented during construction.

During operation, there is likely to be a local increase in traffic levels on Station Road which forms the primary access to the station. The proposed highway works will provide substantial improvements to the operation and safety of the local network for all users which include: • Improvements to the junction of Wotton Road / Station Road will improve road safety. • The provision of a signalised pedestrian crossing of Wotton Road and a zebra crossing on Station Road will enhance pedestrian safety and contribute to reducing vehicle speeds in the vicinity of the proposed development. • Improvements to provide pedestrian and cyclist access will encourage station users to use alternative modes to access the station, reducing traffic and congestion in the wider village, create opportunities for health benefits.

The provision of a new railway station will encourage mode shift for longer distance journeys to Gloucester and Bristol, reducing traffic volumes on the surrounding road network, including the B4058 and B4059. A Transport Statement / Assessment will accompany the planning application to demonstrate that the proposed development will have a beneficial impact on the highway network.

There are sensitive receptors located in proximity to the proposed development, particularly residential properties within the 200m of the Scheme extents. The adoption of standard construction best practice would minimise the risk of adverse dust effects on sensitive receptors. Further high-level assessment of air quality impacts, using any traffic modelling, will be undertaken to manage potential air quality effects and recommend mitigation where appropriate. There are no Air Quality Management Areas within 18km of the proposed development. Air quality impacts during construction would be slight and considered to be localised, associated with emissions and dust from the construction plant. Once operational, the proposed development is expected to contribute positively to local air quality by encouraging mode shift away from private car trips towards the use of rail (for longer distance journeys) and walking and cycling (for shorter distance journeys). Therefore, no likely significant effect from risk to (air pollution) human health are anticipated.

Location of the Development Schedule 3 of the EIA Regulations requires the following environmental sensitivity, of the area likely to be affected by the proposed development, to be considered in determining the need for an EIA:

. the existing land use;

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. the relative abundance, quality and regenerative capacity of natural resources in the area; and

. the absorption capacity of the natural environment, paying particular attention to specified geographical environments, for example, nature reserves and parks, protected wildlife habitats and landscapes of historical, cultural or archaeological significance.

The proposed development site includes a combination of brownfield commercial land at the proposed station location, agricultural land uses at the proposed overflow car park location, and existing highways and rail. Ground investigations will be undertaken to inform the design and mitigation developed as appropriate. There is a historic landfill site approximately 650 metres to the north west of proposed development, on the site of the (disused) Quarry (at Tortworth Copse). Given the distance and the nature of the proposed works, no likely significant effect are anticipated.

The land take of approximately 0.922 hectares, Grade 3b (moderate quality) agricultural land is discussed above and no likely significant effect on natural resources are anticipated. The proposed development extent is not subject to any statutory or non-statutory environmental designations.

There are no internationally designated nature conservation sites (Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas, Ramsar sites), located within 2km of the proposed development. There are three SACs, where bats are a qualifying feature, located within 30km of the proposed development: Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Bats Sites SAC (located approximately 16km north-west), Wye Valley Woodlands SAC (located approximately 19km west) and Bath and Bradford Avon Bats SAC (located approximately 25km south-east). Information to inform a Habitat Regulations Screening Assessment will be included within the planning application documentation. Given the distance from these designations and the nature of the proposed works, no likely significant effects to the natural environment (nature reserves and protected wildlife habitats) are anticipated.

The following national nature conservation designated sites surround the proposed development; Cullimore’s Quarry Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is located approximately 350m north-west of the proposed development and Slickstones Quarry, Cromhall SSSI is located approximately 2km south-west of the proposed development. There are no further nationally designated sites (SSSI, National Nature Reserves), or Local Nature Reserves located within 2km of the proposed development. Given the nature of the proposed works, the proposed development site is not considered an environmentally sensitive location, in terms of the on natural environment (nature reserves and protected wildlife habitats), and no likely significant effect are anticipated.

One local nature conservation designation has been identified, as the Little River Avon Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) approximately 250m east of the proposed development. The South Gloucestershire Landscape Character Plan (Area 5 Warwick Ridge and Vale) states that “watercourses are designated as SNCI… the Little Avon River.” The SGC Charfield Biodiversity Action Plan refers to the “Little Avon River (SNCI) (6m either side of centre of river), approx. 0.4km”. The proposed development design will be developed to take consideration of lighting, noise and drainage around the overflow car park, to protect the Little River Avon SNCI. Therefore, no likely significant effect on the natural environment (nature reserves and protected wildlife habitats) are anticipated.

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In terms of historical assets, there are three Grade II listed assets adjacent to the proposed development, associated with the former Charfield Station (Former booking hall and waiting room at Charfield Station, Former toilet block and water tower at south end of Charfield Station; and Former Stationmaster’s House at Charfield Station). The proposed works are adjacent to the listed buildings and will not directly affect the fabric of the listed buildings themselves or any curtilage of the listed buildings. It is not anticipated that Listed Building consent will be required. The Planning Application will include a Heritage Statement which, among other things, will consider the potential impact of the proposed works within the listed buildings setting and heritage assets value. Therefore, no likely significant effect on the natural environment (landscapes of historical, cultural, or archaeological significance) are anticipated

Summary and Conclusions

It is anticipated that the planning application submission would be supported by the following documents: . Completed application form, ownership certificates and notices as required; . Correct fee; . Site location plan; . Site plan; . Other plans as necessary to support the application such as large-scale plans, elevations, landscaping etc; . Design and Access Statement; . Flood Risk Assessment as appropriate; . Statement of Significance – as appropriate if considered to affect heritage assets; . Ecological / biodiversity surveys’ . Energy Statement; . Foul Sewerage Assessment; . Heritage Statement; . Lighting Assessment; . Noise Impact Assessment; . Air Quality Assessment; . Tree Survey/Arboricultural implications; . Transport Assessment/Statement; and . Surface Water Drainage Details.

This supporting information is considered to be sufficient to assess the potential impacts of the proposals, bearing in mind the environmental context and the scale of the proposed development.

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Having examined the key criteria outlined in the EIA Regulations for assessing development proposals, it is considered that there are no likely significant effects and therefore it is suggested that the proposed development does not constitute ‘EIA development’.

I would be grateful for the Council’s views in relation to this matter and confirmation that sufficient supporting documentation is being prepared to enable validation of the planning application.

I look forward to receiving your response. In the meantime, if you have any queries please contact Chris Harding.

Yours sincerely

Chris Harding Technical Director – Town Planning and Consents Jacobs 07581 020 943

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